Tech

Running doesn’t have to be such a pain in the knee

Published

4 years ago

November 22, 2020

The knee is a runner’s most vulnerable joint, so don’t wait until an injury progresses to the point that it forces an extended road to recovery.

For runners suffering from their first knee injury, there’s no shortage of advice about the best way to nurse their knee back to health. But what most runners really want to know is how long it will take before they can get back to pounding the pavement. Will a few days of rest do the trick, or can they expect the pain to stick around for weeks?

Knee injuries are so common among runners that the topic has warranted a respectable amount of interest from researchers, with one study suggesting it takes 75 to 88 days to recover from chronic knee pain. There are two primary locations for running-related knee injuries: around the kneecap (patellofemoral syndrome) or along the side of the knee (iliotibial band syndrome). Much of the blame for runners’ knee pain falls to overuse — too many miles and not enough rest. But there’s actually lots of blame to go around, including biomechanical or structural abnormalities and the favourite among the over-45 set: age-related wear and tear.

In an attempt to find out more about runners and their knees, a group of researchers from the Netherlands reached out to novice runners registered for three popular road races, involving distances from five to 42 kilometres. Questionnaires were distributed before the race, one day after the race and again one month later. The initial query gathered baseline information: age, weight and height, along with training frequency, experience, running speed, average weekly mileage and training surface (pavement, concrete). Runners were subsequently grouped based on their experience (zero to four years, four to 10 years and more than 10 years) and average mileage (zero to 15 km, 15 to 30 km and more than 30 km).

Anyone who reported a knee injury — which was defined as any musculoskeletal complaint of the knee that restricted training frequency, distance, speed or duration for at least a week or that needed consultation with a medical professional — was included in the study. Injured runners were asked about the severity of pain at rest and while running, how long it took for the pain to subside and their diagnosis (self-diagnosis or that offered by a medical professional) as to the type of knee injury. Information was also collected about how they managed pain, whether they consulted a health-care professional and what type of treatment plan, if any, they employed.

Fourteen per cent (277) of the 2,000 runners who responded to the initial query by the research team reported experiencing a knee injury sometime after competing in the road race for which they were registered. Males who ran twice a week totalling an average of 2.5 hours at a 6.0 min/km pace were the most likely to be injured. More than half of everyone with knee pain either modified their training frequency or their speed as a consequence of the injury.

Most of the runners recovered within eight weeks of first experiencing pain, but one-third claimed to fall short of full recovery up to a year later. Males recovered faster than females, with women taking, on average, two weeks longer to heal. As for what type of injury was the slowest for recovery, osteoarthritis of the knee earned the dubious honour of keeping runners laid up the longest.

“This association is in line with the fact that knee osteoarthritis is a chronic progressive condition and a major cause of musculoskeletal disability in older populations,” said the study’s authors.

What does all this mean to the average recreational runner?

First of all, knee pain happens at one time or another to almost all runners, so don’t fret. But what’s worth noting in this study is that once pain sets in, it can be weeks before the knee feels better. And despite attempts to dial back speed, distance or training frequency, there’s no proven shortcut to healing.

The key to keeping the knee healthy, especially among novice runners, is to avoid that first bout with pain by following a progressive training routine that errs on the conservative side when it comes to volume and frequency. If and when pain does flare up, treatment guided by a medical professional is worth considering. And while there’s no guarantee that your time on the mend will be reduced, education on the best path to recovery and advice on how to ease back into running are investments worth making.

“The relatively long duration of knee symptoms after an injury emphasizes the need for optimal treatment, education and injury prevention programs for recreational runners,” said the researchers.

The knee is a runner’s most vulnerable joint, so don’t make the mistake of waiting until the injury progresses to the point that it forces an extended road to recovery. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys not just to getting back up to speed, but to years of pain-free running.

Source: – Cochrane Times Post

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Tech

United Airlines will offer free internet on flights using service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX

Published

1 day ago

September 13, 2024

Anne Joseph

CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.

The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.

United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.

“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.

The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

4 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:

Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.

Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers

While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:

Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source

Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:

Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.

3. Sign Up for Notifications

Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.

Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.

4. Prepare for High Demand

Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:

Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.

For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

4 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.

Key Features of the PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:

Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.

Optimized Games & Patches

Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:

Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West

These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.

Design & Compatibility

Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.

Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.

Pricing & Availability

The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:

$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY

Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.

The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.

Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.